My Top 5 Homemade Natural Products

It's spring! Which means time to get some of those super paraben- and phthalate-filled products out the door and spring clean your cleaners!

I'm a huge fan of products that work. Period. I can confidently say that absolutely yes, all of these work. These are all staples around my house. Because. They. Work. Even the deodorant. Pinky swear. 

Hair Rinse - Apple cider vinegar. 
This is amazing and has literally saved me from shaving my head after moving to the country and discovering ultra hard well water which turned my hair to straw. Until apple cider vinegar came along. 
How I use it: Steep chamomile tea over night (just leave it in the pot) so that it's super strong. Mix 2/3 tea with 1/3 apple cider vinegar. Pour all over your locks for shiny, soft, gorgeous hair. And no, you will not smell afterward. 

Face wash - Honey.
Oh honey, this is delicious. This sounds quite sticky and involved, but it's actually quite awesome and simple. A good friend of mine recommended this gem and I must say, it's lovely. 
How I use it: Slather. Rinse. Admire. Welcome the compliments. 

Face scrub - Coconut oil and brown sugar. 
The brown sugar provides a great exfoliant within a highly nourishing base of coconut oil. I recommend this if you have oily skin to help down-regulate oil production. Sounds counter-intuitive, but if you're constantly stripping oils from your skin, it will try to make more. 
How I use it: Mash 1 tbsp coconut oil with 2 tsp brown sugar. Work gently in small circles over your skin and rinse off. I'll admit I ate the rest. 

Deodorant - Coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder.
I was skeptical of this more than anyone, and here I am preaching the wonders of this amazing, armpit-loving deodorant! Odours are neutralized and skin is softened. Most importantly, no pores are unfairly plugged!
How I use it: Mash together 2 parts coconut oil, 1 part baking soda, and 1 part arrowroot powder (you can also use cornstarch) until smooth. Store in a little glass jar. Apply as you would a little bit of moisturizer. And no, it is not gross to actually touch your armpits. 

House cleaner - Water, vinegar, lemon juice. 
This. Cleans. Everything. I tend to make this a bit stronger than most for no reason at all. Grease, counters, showers (especially those with hard water) - you name it! 
How I use it: Half water, half white vinegar, then add in about 2 tbsp of lemon juice for freshness. Store in a spray bottle as use as you would any other all-purpose cleaners. 
Bonus: When you need a super scrubbing power, I mix baking soda with water and top off with a little elbow grease. 

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